We feel like a mid-table side - Hughton

Premier League novices Brighton and Hove Albion "feel like a mid-table side" according to manager Chris Hughton, who reflected positively on recent results after Sunday's 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.

Glenn Murray's header pulled Brighton level after they went behind to Steven Davis' early opener and Hughton praised his players' performance in the second half of a tight game at Amex Stadium.

The draw followed a 3-0 win at West Ham and Brighton have lost just one of their last five Premier League games - a run that has left Hughton confident of his team's ability to compete in the top tier.

"In the second half the tempo of our game was very good," Hughton told reporters. "Credit to our lads with the way they have responded.

"We always felt the home form would be a defining factor. I was incredibly delighted to get the three points away last week.

"We feel like a mid-table side from the way we have conducted ourselves in these games. We haven't embarrassed ourselves."

Brighton have lost four of their opening 10 games this season but Hughton said their 2-0 defeats at Arsenal and at home to Manchester City helped his players to measure themselves against top-class opposition.